6 of the Easiest Countries to Gain Citizenship

The fact that citizenship determines some major decisions in life is one of the reasons why a lot of people desire having dual or multiple citizenship. Citizens of specific counties have special privileges which include travel and investment opportunities. The ways of becoming a citizen differ across countries and take a varying length of time. Apart from special waivers, some countries have a lot of terms and conditions for citizenship applications.

That said, some countries are easier than others in acquiring citizenship. So if you are looking to change nationality or add another citizenship, then you will enjoy this article which highlights countries where one can gain citizenship easily, and includes the requirement of such countries.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is one of those countries where one can gain citizenship without a lot of hassle. On average, it takes two years after one is a permanent resident of Dominican Republic to apply for citizenship. Another visa requirement is steady income to the tune of $1,500 for retirees and $2,000 for non-retires. The process of visa application in the Dominican Republic can be fast-tracked for investors with at least $200,000 investments in the country.

Ireland

If you are a citizen of Ireland, you cannot have any other citizenship, as the Irish forbid dual citizenship. Ireland has relatively stress-free visa requirements. To become a citizen of Ireland, you must have lived there for an uninterrupted period of one year after becoming a permanent resident. You also need to have lived in Ireland cumulatively for 4 out of the eight years before the application.

Ireland also allows naturalization when there is proof of ancestry, and one become a citizen of Ireland when they can prove their ancestry.

Macedonia

Macedonia has a fast citizenship application process for those willing to invest in its economy as well as its permanent residents. After becoming a permanent resident of Macedonia, one can become a citizen in a year.

Entrepreneurs have a faster route and can become citizens of Macedonia if they are willing to invest up to £400,000 in Macedonian businesses. Macedonia is in the east of Europe and has a good tax system and government, and its citizenship application process makes it even more appealing as a relocation and retirement destination.

Russia

Russia also offers relatively easy citizenship requirements. One can become a citizen of Russia in three years with a few other requirements. First, you have to start a business in Russia or relocate your existing business. Then, you have to pay your taxes and have proof of the payments. This three-year citizenship requirement is for entrepreneurs though.

Peru

This Spanish-speaking country both allows dual citizenship and has minimal requirements for citizenship with an option to fast-track one’s application. After becoming a permanent resident of Peru, one can become a citizen after living there for two years. The citizenship application process, however, requires language and culture tests, as well as a change in name orders.

Canada

Canada also offers an easy naturalization process and allows dual citizenship. One can apply to become a citizen of Canada four years after becoming a permanent resident. Canada immigration programs differ, and most require steady income or proof of funds. Canada also requires physical presence for a specific number of days when applying for citizenship.

The value of acquiring citizenship of the different countries is a combination of ease of application, financial freedom and other factors. Before you decide to become a citizen of a county, be sure to estimate its overall worth.